Sony HDR-CX500V is a new high-end camcorder with 32GB of internal memory and additional support for Sony Memory Stick cards. The camcorder is very compact and quite powerful. If, however, you find 32GB of internal memory too little for you consider buying Sony HDR-CX520V which has 64GB memory and apart form that identical specs and performance to the Sony HDR-CX500V.
Sony HDR-CX500V pros:
+ 32GB of built-in flash memory
+ Lens cover
+ 12x optical zoom
+ God performance in low light
+ Large sensor
+ 3-inch LCD screen
+ Outstanding image stabilization
+ Built-in GPS
+ Good quality still photos
Sony HDR-CX500V cons:
- Disappointing sharpness level
- No 24p or 30p frame rates
- Manual adjustment dial a bit too small
- Menu not as straightforward as in the past
The design:
Sony HDR-CX500V measures 62 x 65 x 133mm and weighs 450 grams with the battery. The front of the camcorder houses the 12x optical zoom lens with automatic lens cover and the flash placed right above it. The right side of the Sony HDR-CX500V features the AV-out and Component out ports hidden under a plastic cover and the hand strap. On the back you can find the video/stills mode switch, the DC input (hidden under a door), manual adjustment dial and start/stop record button. The left side, as usual, houses the LCD chamber with plenty of buttons and ports. The top of the camcorder houses the 3.1 channel mic, zoom toggle and photo shutter button. As with the majority of camcorder on the bottom of the Sony HDR-CX500V there is only the battery release switch and the tripod mount.
Performance:
The Sony HDR-CX500V is capable of recording in standard definition and in high definition. The former videos are recorded as MPEG-2, and the latter AVCHD. When recording in high definition at 16Mbps the 32GB of built-in memory allow for storing almost 4 hours of films. The camcorder is easy to use despite the fact that Sony did not implement its Easy Mode to the Sony HDR-CX500V. There is a wide array of manual settings which should satisfy those more demanding of you who know how to use them.
Video quality:
The Sony HDR-CX500V has quite good color accuracy but during very precise tests it turned out that it performs slightly below the category average. Yet, as the saturation level is good and colors are vivid it is hardly noticeable in day-to-day use. Moreover, the noise levels are always low so the overall impression of the color accuracy is really good. Both sharpness and motion are very good at 1080i, and the slow motion is great fun.
Also in low light the color accuracy is good and the saturation remains strong. With little noise and good low light sensitivity the Sony HDR-CX500V scored better than such camcorders as JVC Everio GZ-HM200, or Sony HDR-TG5V.
Still photo quality:
The still features in the Sony HDR-CX500V are quite good. You can take photos while recording a video, or even when you playback it. The camcorder is capable of taking 12 megapixel photos and thanks to the built-in flash you can also shoot after dusk. The image quality is good, with accurate colors and little noise so the Sony HDR-CX500V can substitute a digital camera and take better still photos than most cell phones.
Sony HDR-CX500V features and specifications:
- Remote Control
Remote control – infrared
- Still Image Format
JPEG
- Exposure Modes
Program, automatic
- Min Shutter Speed
1/8 sec
- Max Shutter Speed
1/725 sec
- Image Stabilizer
Optical (Steady Shot)
- Digital Scene Transition
White fader, black fader
- Shooting Programs
Spotlight, landscape, portrait mode, twilight portrait, fireworks, twilight mode, sunset, beach, snow, sunrise
- Digital Zoom
150 x
- Min Illumination
3 lux
- Optical Sensor Size
1/2.88″
- Optical Sensor Type
Exmor R CMOS
- Media Type
Flash card
- Camcorder Interpolated Still Resolution
12.0 Mpix
- Widescreen Video Capture
Yes
- Face Detection
Yes
- Battery
Supported Battery Details
1 x Sony NP-FH60 Li-ion rechargeable battery
Supported Battery
Sony NP-FH60
- Microphone
Microphone Operation Mode
Surround
Type
Microphone – built-in
Microphone Features
- Zoom
Lens System
Filter Size
37 mm
Zoom Adjustment
Motorized drive
Optical Zoom
12 x
Lens Aperture
F/1.8-3.4
- Focus Adjustment
Automatic, manual
Focal Length
5.5 mm – 66 mm
Type
Zoom lens – 5.5 mm – 66 mm – f/1.8-3.4
Features
Built-in lens shield
- Additional Features
USB 2.0 compatibility, touch-screen control, accessories hot shoe, Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording, Dynamic Range Optimizer, face detection, Smile Detection technology, built-in GPS
- Search Modes
Index search, map index search, face index search
- Display
Display Format
230,000 pixels
Display Form Factor
Rotating
- Memory / Storage
Flash Memory
32 GB flash – integrated
System Requirements for PC Connection
Operating System Support
MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows Vista
- Connections
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
- Connector Type
1 x composite video/audio output ¦ 1 x USB ¦ 1 x component video output ¦ 1 x HDMI output ¦ 1 x S-Video output ¦ 1 x remote control
Other recently reviewed camcorders:
Panasonic HDC-TM300, Canon Vixia HF S11, JVC Everio GZ-HM400, Sony HDR-TG5V, JVC Picsio GC-FM1, JVC Everio GZ-HM200
